Children who become involved in criminal activity are often victims long before they are labelled offenders.

Across England and Wales, thousands of vulnerable children are groomed, manipulated and coerced into criminal behaviour by adults and organised criminal groups. From county lines drug trafficking to carrying weapons, many young people are exploited for the benefit of others while facing serious and lifelong consequences themselves.

The government's 2026 Youth Justice White Paper, Cutting Youth Crime, Changing Young Lives , recognises this reality and proposes significant reforms designed to prevent children being drawn into crime in the first place. Among the most important measures are new offences targeting child criminal exploitation and greater powers to intervene before harm occurs.

At Switalskis, our child crime solicitors regularly represent children who have become involved in criminal investigations after being exploited by others. Knowing what to do if a child has been exploited is crucial for families.

Why is child exploitation in focus now?

The White Paper acknowledges that children now face very different risks to the generations that have come before. This includes online grooming, exploitation through social media and increasing pressure from organised criminal networks. Without any meaningful regulation on social media companies’ children will continue to be exposed to danger from adults willing to exploit them for benefit. It recognises that many children who enter the youth justice system have been exploited and are particularly vulnerable to being taken advantage of as they’ve often experienced trauma, neglect, abuse, and family instability.

The government will be introducing:

• A new criminal offence of child criminal exploitation.
• New Child Criminal Exploitation Prevention Orders.
• Earlier intervention for children identified as being at risk.
• Better co-ordination between agencies responsible for safeguarding children.

These proposals represent a significant shift in how the justice system approaches exploited children. Rather than focusing solely on the offences committed, there is recognition that some situations need to be examined from a wider perspective. It means that children who are being groomed and controlled by adults should see those adults be held accountable.

What is child criminal exploitation?

Child criminal exploitation occurs when an individual or group manipulates, coerces or deceives a child into committing criminal acts for another person's benefit.

Common examples include:

• Drug trafficking
• Shoplifting
• Carrying drugs, cash or weapons
• Robbery or burglary including theft of vehicles

Exploitation often involves threats, violence, intimidation, debt bondage, emotional manipulation or the promise of money, status or belonging.

Many exploited children do not immediately recognise themselves as victims. Some may appear willing participants when, in reality, they have been subjected to significant pressure or grooming over an extended period.

How will the new legislation protect children?

One of the White Paper's most significant proposals is the creation of a specific offence of child criminal exploitation.

Currently, prosecutors often rely on offences such as trafficking, modern slavery or conspiracy charges to pursue exploiters. A dedicated offence would make it easier to identify, investigate and prosecute adults who deliberately target children for criminal purposes.

This sends a clear message that responsibility should not rest solely with the child who commits the offence.

Child Criminal Exploitation Prevention Orders

The government also plans to introduce Child Criminal Exploitation Prevention Orders.

These orders would allow courts to impose restrictions on individuals suspected of exploiting children before further harm occurs.

Potential restrictions could include:

• Limiting contact with specific children
• Restricting access to certain locations
• Preventing communication through social media platforms
• Disrupting known patterns of grooming behaviour

The aim is to intervene earlier, preventing exploitation before children become deeply embedded in criminal networks.

Better safeguarding and collaboration

The White Paper repeatedly emphasises the need for agencies to identify risks earlier and share information more effectively. It highlights concerns that opportunities to intervene are sometimes missed because agencies fail to coordinate their responses.

The proposed reforms seek to create a system that identifies vulnerable children before offending escalates. It recognises that safeguarding and crime prevention should go hand in hand.

What happens if an exploited child commits a crime?

One of the most difficult situations families face is when a child who has been exploited is arrested or charged with a criminal offence.

While exploitation can be a significant factor in a case, it does not automatically prevent criminal proceedings. However, evidence of exploitation may influence:

• Charging decisions
• Diversion from prosecution
• Bail decisions
• Sentencing outcomes
• Safeguarding interventions

The White Paper also proposes reforms to out-of-court disposals and youth diversion schemes, with a greater focus on addressing the underlying causes of offending rather than simply punishing behaviour.

For exploited children, this could mean greater opportunities to access support services instead of progressing deeper into the criminal justice system.

Signs a child may be being exploited

Parents, carers, teachers and professionals should be cognisant of warning signs including:

• Unexplained money, gifts or expensive items
• Frequent absences from school
• Sudden changes in behaviour or friendship groups
• Possession of multiple mobile phones
• Travelling to unfamiliar areas
• Secrecy around online activity
• Increased anxiety, aggression or withdrawal
• Missing episodes or unexplained absences from home

No single sign confirms exploitation, but patterns of behaviour should never be ignored.

What should parents do if they suspect exploitation?

If you believe a child is being criminally exploited:

1. Take concerns seriously

Children are often reluctant to disclose exploitation due to fear, loyalty to exploiters or concern about getting into trouble. They may also be unaware of the long term consequences of their behaviour or that they are being exploited. Often groomers will try to isolate a child so they’re less likely to tell adults what is happening.

Avoid assuming the child is acting willingly.

2. Get support

Report concerns to:

• Children's services
• The police
• The child's school or safeguarding lead
• Relevant youth support organisations

Early intervention can prevent further harm. For many parents there is a worry that if you contact social services they will try remove your child, but this isn’t the case. Social services and other family support services can help identify and address risks and their aim is to help parents.

3. Speak to a solicitor

If your child has been arrested or is under investigation, obtaining a child crime solicitor is essential.

A solicitor experienced in youth crime and child exploitation cases can:

• Ensure vulnerabilities are properly identified
• Challenge inappropriate police questioning
• Present evidence of exploitation
• Seek diversionary outcomes where appropriate
• Protect the child's legal rights throughout proceedings

4. Gather evidence

If possible, keep records of:

• Threatening messages
• Social media communications
• Missing episodes
• Concerns raised by schools or professionals

This information may help establish the extent of exploitation.

How Switalskis can help

At Switalskis, we know many children who come into contact with the criminal justice system are vulnerable and may have been manipulated by adults seeking to exploit them.

Our specialist child crime solicitors represent children facing police investigations, interviews under caution and criminal proceedings. We work closely with families to ensure that evidence of exploitation, trauma and vulnerability is properly considered at every stage.

As the government moves forward with its proposed reforms, protecting exploited children while holding those responsible to account will remain a key priority. If your child has been arrested, accused of a criminal offence or you are concerned they may be being exploited, seeking legal advice as early as possible can make a significant difference to the outcome of their case. Call us on 0800 138 0458 .